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Lisa L. Higgins

Lisa L.
Higgins, Director, Missouri Folk Arts Program, Columbia, Missouri (1999-present)—a
joint program of the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, and the Museum of
Art & Archaeology at the University of Missouri

Education and Accomplishments:
PhD English (Folklore & Rhetoric), University of Missouri (2008); MA
English, Arkansas State University (1988); BA English, Arkansas State
University (1987). American Folklore Society member (1992-present). Previous
public programs positions: Program manager, Southern Arts Federation
(1997-1999); Intern and GRA, Missouri Folk Arts Program (1994-1996). Graduate
Internship Instructor, University of Missouri (2000-present). Previous teaching
positions (full-time, part-time, adjunct): Georgia State University and Cobb
County (GA) Community College (1997-98); University of Missouri (1990-97);
Stephens College (1996); Arkansas State University (1988-90); and Mississippi
County (AR) Community College (1989). Publications: co-authored chapter with Susan
Eleuterio in Through the Schoolhouse
Door: Folklore, Community, Curriculum, (2011); various book reviews
co-authored with Teresa Hollingsworth (Western
Folklore); Encyclopedia of Women’s
Folklore and Folklife entries (2008). Service to the field: Journal of American Folklore Exhibits
and Events Review Editor (2010-present); AFS section co-convener, Folklore and
Education (2010-2012); AFS nominating committee (2004-2005); National Assembly
of State Arts Agencies’ Folk Arts Planning Committee (ongoing. Co-chair, 2013);
and University of Missouri Student Folklore Society, Faculty Adviser
(2012-present).

Statement: I
just quietly celebrated my fourteenth year directing the Missouri Folk Arts
Program—a public program supported by the state arts council, Missouri’s flagship
university, and the National Endowment for the Arts—where I manage projects,
budgets, and grants. My position as a university-based public folklorist is
fairly unique, as I work in the company
of another professional folklorist, two graduate
research assistants, an undergraduate work study student, and (often) with
independent folklorists via contract. Additionally, I find myself and
our program lucky to have a supportive state arts council from the executive
director, chair, and board to staff in every position. The same is true of our
colleagues at the Museum. MU is the home of a decades-old academic folklore
program housed in the Department of English, from which I myself gained an
education, professional training, mentorship, and lifelong friendships and for
which I strive to return multi-fold to the next generation of folklorists (at
MU and beyond). Of course, I am also humbled to work with what Joe Wilson once
dubbed "ordinary citizens of genius,” traditional artists across the state, as
well as a wise cadre of community scholars and local culture advocates, all of
whom continue my education far beyond the intersection of University and
College avenues. I agreed to run for Executive Board with support from all
corners and am honored by the nomination, especially within a slate of
colleagues that I hold in high esteem. As a member of the Executive Board, I
will be particularly committed to issues and tasks that sustain all corners of
the field of folklore, especially as we navigate political, cultural, economic,
and climate shifts.